The Gauhati High Court on Friday rejected the bail plea of Shyamkanu Mahanta, one of the main accused in the alleged murder case linked to the death of singer Zubeen Garg.

Mahanta, who was associated with organising the festival event under the NEIF banner, had earlier also been denied bail by a fast-track court.

According to sources, the High Court took note of the seriousness of the allegations and the ongoing investigation while refusing to grant relief to the accused. Legal experts said the order suggests that the Court considers the investigation to be at a sensitive and crucial stage, where releasing the accused could potentially affect the probe.

Family members and supporters seeking justice in the case welcomed the High Court’s decision, calling it a significant step towards ensuring a fair investigation and trial.

The matter has continued to generate strong reactions across social media, with many users demanding strict action against those accused under the campaign “Justice for Zubeen Garg.”

The case relates to the death of Zubeen Garg, who died on September 19 last year while swimming near Lazarus Island in Singapore, a day before he was scheduled to perform at an event organised under the NEIF banner.

Following the incident, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Assam Police Criminal Investigation Department carried out an extensive investigation and filed a charge sheet in December 2025.

The charge sheet named seven accused persons, including Mahanta. Four of them have been booked on murder charges, adding to the gravity of the case.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had described the matter as a “plain and simple murder” during discussions in the State Assembly, reflecting the government’s position on the issue.

At the same time, a separate investigation conducted by Singapore Police reportedly found no evidence of foul play in Garg’s death.

Despite the differing findings, Assam authorities have maintained that the conclusions reached by Singapore investigators will not impact the ongoing investigation and trial in India.

The case continues to attract major public and political attention, with the upcoming stages of the proceedings expected to remain closely watched.